Neptune Sailing has been part of Suffolk Water Sports Association and is a Recognised Training Centre for the RYA. It has been working with Neptune Youth Group and those keen to learn to sail in the local community for many years. The Centre has been divested from SWSA to Neptune Sailing Management Committee. It has been awarded charitable status.
Bird Watching
Bird Watching
What is it?
Bird watching is a specific form of wildlife observation focused on finding and watching birds in their natural habitat. Not to be confused with ornithology (which is the scientific study of birds), the aim of bird watchers is merely to observe, and to find as many different types of birds as they can.
What does it involve?
In general, bird watching involves locating and observing birds in their natural environment without disturbing them too much. It can involve quite a large amount of patience and determination if trying to locate a specific bird, but is a great way of appreciating the natural world.
Why do it and what are the benefits?
Bird watching can greatly improve personal attitudes towards nature and the environment, and teaches perseverance and passion for a topic. Spending time outside can also be incredibly relaxing and it can be refreshing to get away from buildings and technology.
What equipment do we need?
You shouldn't need more equipment than your eyes or perhaps some binoculars for bird watching! It might also be a good idea to do some research beforehand on types of birds you wish to see and what is common to your area so you can check them off as you go along!
Who is it suitable for?
Bird observation is fairly risk free so is suitable for all ages, but younger groups may find it hard to concentrate on the task as it involves being fairly quiet and observing the environment carefully!
Costs?
Other than access to certain parks, bird watching should cost you nothing!
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
Bird watching is a fairly specific area of interest, so bear in mind the interests of the group when considering this as an activity.
How do we include?
This is a pastime that should be easy for people of abilities to enjoy, as it doesnt require too much activity - just an interest in the surroundings!
Doing it abroad?
Bird watching in a foreign country could be great for those who are interested in the topic, as it can provide an opportunity to see many birds that aren't present in the UK!
Main website:
This page has some great general information about bird watching.
Venues with this Activity
The highest point in Dorset with views between the trees over Devon, Somerset and out to sea
Standing at 915 feet (279 metres) Lewesdon Hill, along with nearby Pilsdon Pen, dominates the surrounding landscape. It's certainly an alluring hill fort, although being enclosed by woodland the views aren't uninterrupted, but the glimpses of the surrounding landscape you do get through the trees are worth the climb to the top.
Wooded country around Cornwall's largest natural lake
Loe Pool, the largest natural freshwater lake in Cornwall, is cut off from the sea by a broad shingle bar heaped up by heavy Atlantic seas.
The surrounding Penrose Estate is a mixture of rich farmland and woodland around Loe Pool, through which there are many paths to explore.
Rich in industrial heritage, caves, ancient woodland and rare species
Spectacular cliffs, caves where mammoths once lived, rare birds, an underground river, bat roosts, silver lead mining, ancient woodland, smuggling and limestone quarrying are just a few of the wonders of this area.
Historic Haunted Castle, Himalayan Gardens, Owl Centre, MeadowVole Maze and Playgrounds
Muncaster Castle is still a privately owned family home to the Penningtons and three generations of the family still live in the Castle today.
They are actively involved in the running of the business which is set up as a not-for-profit company. The estate employees 50 local people full time at the Castle and Gardens and this grows up to more than 65 in the height of summer.
The World Owl Trust works on owl conservation on a global scale, and we have members in many countries around the world.
Our conservation programmes protect populations of endangered owls until their habitat has been restored. This has already been achieved for the European Eagle Owl and British Barn Owl.
An ancient semi-natural woodland just north of Kenilworth, once part of the Forest of Arden. The wood is managed traditionally as high forest with a coppice understorey, providing tall trees of oak, birch and sweet chestnut with a lower shrub layer of hazel and holly.
Visit in May for fantastic displays of bluebells.
Species and habitats
Habitats
A magical place to experience animals, birds and all sorts of owls from all over the world. During winter months and in very wet weather the animals are displayed undercover.
Come along and enjoy flying displays, pig racing, tropical butterflies, snakes, reptiles, trout fishing and much more. Indoor and outdoor play areas for the children and barn style tea rooms for grown ups to relax.
If you're looking to plan a full day out, look no further. Woburn Safari Park offers amazing value for money, with many great activities all included in your ticket price.
Head to the leisure area and Foot Safari and park for free; you'll be amazed how many exciting activities are included in your ticket price.
Tropiquaria is pleased to be able to admit large, pre-booked, groups at discounted rates, whether the visit is educational, entirely for fun, or for a mixture of the two. Education can be FUN!
Both directors take the welfare of disabled and disadvantaged groups very seriously and with notice can arrange to make the visits of such groups more rewarding.
Tropical World has fast become a firm favourite with the people of Donegal, visitors from all over Ireland and even further afield.
Described by our patrons as Donegal’s hidden gem and the one place you must visit in Donegal, Tropical World has built on its popularity by annually growing its ever-increasing collection and improving the customer experience.
Tropical World at Roundhay Park is one of the most well-loved family attractions in Leeds and only three miles from the city centre. At Tropical World you can take a trek through the rainforest; stopping off briefly in the outback of Australia before a quick excursion through the desert, and all in the same morning!
Everyone loves our resident seals and there are always plenty to been seen during their rehabilitation process. Loads more too: Penguins, Aquarium (find Nemo and friends), Tropical House (creepy crawlies), Tropical Butterflies (April to Oct), Crocodiles and Pets Corner too.
School Trips at Skegness Natureland
The UK's Number 1 Walkthrough Wildlife Adventure
We are a unique zoo with a wide range of animals which you can see on a unique walking safari;
Lion's Lair
Lion Country is unique in the UK as visitors enjoy an on foot safari in safety along its 800m of pathway into the reserves. It is home to the lions rescued from Oradea Zoo in Romania
Tiger Country
The UK's Biggest Zoo!
With so many different species housed at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, the UK's biggest zoo, your trip will be full of excitement.
Welcome to the Thrigby Hall wildlife gardens. See the beautiful gardens and the amazing wildlife we look after here in the gardens
The primary objective of Lake District Wildlife Park is wildlife conservation and promotion of sustainable lifestyles through experiential learning.
We believe that the future is in the hands of the world’s young people and our education programme aims to emphasize the interdependence of human beings, the animal world and the natural environment.
The King of Zoos
With more than two thousand exotic animals from across the globe and two on-site nature reserves, Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is an exciting and inspirational place for all ages to learn more about the world’s wonderful biodiversity through environmental education.
Cornwall's Biggest Zoo
With over 130 species, Newquay Zoo is an exciting and inspirational place for all ages to learn more about the world's wonderful biodiversity.
Torquay's Coastal Zoo & Aquarium
Welcome to Living Coasts, an all weather attraction, located on Torquay seafront in South Devon, where there’s plenty to see and do: mingle with the playful penguins, get up close to the otters, octopus and seals, and much more. Visit Penguin Beach to walk with the African and macaroni penguins and catch our entertaining
We offer a selection of Onsite education packages.
Q. How long are the sessions?
We offer 1/2 hr education sessions with hands-on encounters with various animals.
Q. Who are they aimed at?
The sessions are designed for pre-school, key stage 1 & 2 children.
Secret Valley Wildlife Park is the only Wildlife Park in the South East of Ireland. Ann O’Connor and her husband, John set up the original farm a few years ago and it has since grown from strength to strength. The passion that Ann and her staff have for the animals and environment is clearly evident from the moment the visitor is welcomed into the grounds.
LEADING THE WAY WITH INTERACTIVE WILDLIFE EXPERIENCES!
Seaview Wildlife really stands out from the crowd! Tucked away on the N.E. coast of the Island, situated on the outskirts of the pretty yachting village of Seaview, you will discover this hidden gem, the Isle of Wight's leader in hands-on wildlife experiences.
The Scottish Deer Centre is set in the Fife countryside and covers over 55 acres. Our collection includes 14 species of Deer from around the world, Fife's only Wolf pack, Otters and other rare Scottish species including the Wildcat. We also host Raptor World Bird of Prey centre!
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The Bushcraft Company offer residential school trips with a difference, taking students into the wild and giving them real back-to-nature experiences they will never forget.
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